NOVEMBER 2, 2024
Topic: “THANKING GOD FOR OUR SUSTENANCE”
Text: Psalm 103
Memory Verse: “Psalm 103:13 – “Like as a father pitieth his children so the Lord pitieth them that fear him”.
As God’s children, we are His dependents. We have become His children through the atoning death of Jesus on the cross of Calvary. 1John 3:1 tells us, Behold what manner of love the father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God. Our earthly father pities us and cares for us, how much more our heavenly father?
Dependent children spend little time worrying about needs such as meals, clothing, shelter, school fees etc. they assume, and they have the right to, that all will be provided for by their parents. Since God is our father, provides for our needs and is responsible for our welfare, the Bible says we should cast all our cares upon Him for He cares for us. Also, as we are dependent upon God, Jesus tells us “Let not your heart be troubled” and God says, “I’ll take care of your burden, don’t give it a thought – leave it to me. Dependent children are not slack in asking their earthly fathers for favours repeatedly. They ask through effectual fervent prayers. They would not be normal children if they did not boldly make their needs known.
God is keenly aware that we are dependent upon Him for life’s necessities and sustenance. It was for that reason that He said “Ask and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened into you. Therefore, it is important that we thank Him for His provision. There is a common saying that he who knows how to think will know how to thank god.
Our passage this morning starts with “Bless the Lord, oh my soul and all that is within me bless His holy name. Blessing the Lord could also mean, “Praising the Lord” or “thanking the Lord. The psalmist calls on his soul in verse 2 to bless the Lord and forget not all His benefits. The benefits of the Lord are ever unending. He showers us with His mercies every day. Our hearts therefore must be full of thanksgiving. As the Psalms first said, we must always appreciate Him and Bless His Holy name.
This morning, I want you to search your mind and decide whether you have been appreciative enough of God’s goodness and love in your life.
PRAYER: My father and my God, please give me the grace to dependently rely more and more on you for my everyday living and sustenance and to always be grateful to you, Amen.